Brothers and Sisters,
Greetings in the Name of the Lord.
Thanks to all of you who have been working hard to keep us all in touch. There are a lot of really nice Typika photos out there. Our Church School Folks are doing a great job of providing us with ideas and resources to use at home. Folks are finding creative ways to use different streaming services. Everyone’s doing a great job of bringing their offering to the parish or mailing it in and, what is most encouraging, lots of you have asked what you can do to assist any of our families who might be in need.
These past few weeks have been difficult, but our community is responding with faithfulness, cheerfulness, and compassion, so thanks again to each of you. Please read through this entire edition of The Happy Priest, because there is a lot coming up and we don’t want you to miss out on any of it.
Also, attached to this newsletter is the latest communication from Metropolitan Joseph. Please note that all summer camping has been canceled. I don’t, at this time, have any information about refunds for camping. If you have already starting paying for camp, it would be best to contact the folks at Camp St. Raphael for instructions.
Reminder: the emailed version of this newsletter includes updates exclusive to St. John parishioners. If you believe you should be receiving that newsletter, please contact Fr. Aidan.
The Pascha Book Study
Yes, it’s still on! The deacons of our parish will be leading the group through the streaming service ZOOM. The instructions for participating in the group are attached to this newsletter, and this is the schedule of readings that they will be using: The book that the group will be using is called The New Media Epidemic. It’s by the Orthodox scholar, Jean Claude Larchet. If you haven’t yet purchased a copy, you can get one from Christ the Lightgiver Bookstore. Just check out the bookstore announcement a little further down in this newsletter to find out how you can make that happen.
St. Thomas School
St. Thomas School will also be returning via the streaming service ZOOM. That will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Lazarus Saturday, April 11. Be watching next week in this space for details on the schedule and on how you will be able to connect to the streaming service.
An Announcement from Christ the Lightgiver Bookstore
Parishioners of St. John's, Christ the Lightgiver Bookstore would love to continue to serve you during this time. We are pretty stocked with candles, icons, charcoal, incense (more on order), and BOOKS, including a few more copies of our Pascha book. Some titles in stock for this Lenten season:
Great Lent
The Way of the Pilgrim
Thirty Steps to Heaven
First Fruits of Prayer
Season of Repentance
Victory, Prayer, Virtue in the Unseen Warfare
Holy Week: A Series of Meditations
Christ in the Psalms
If you would like to place an order, please contact me, Stephanie Crown, via email or phone.
Some options for getting your order:
If you are close (within 5 miles of the parish), I am happy to front door delivery drop.
If you want to pick up at another time from the bookstore directly, I can put the items in a container outside the bookstore door within the hour of you coming.
Payment can be made via check (made out to Christ the Lightgiver Bookstore) and mailed to me, a check can be left in the kitchen of the church (if doing a kitchen pick up), or I can simply create an invoice for you to pay once we have the clear to gather together.
With joy,
Stephanie Crown
The Scripture Lessons and Hymns of the Week
Here are the Scripture Lessons (Hebrews 9.11--14; St Mark 10.32-45) and the hymns that you can use with the Typika Service this coming Sunday.
The image of God, was faithfully preserved in thee, O Mother. For thou didst up the Cross and follow Christ. By thine example and precept, thou didst teach us to look beyond the flesh for it passes and to be concerned about the soul, which is immortal. Wherefore, O Holy Mary, thy soul rejoices with the angels.
To thee, the Champion Leader, do I offer thanks of victory, O Theotokos, thou who hast delivered me from terror. But as thou that hast that power invincible, O Theotokos, thou alone can set me free: from all forms of danger free me and deliver me, that I may cry unto thee: Hail, O Bride without Bridegroom.
an unworthy priest
aidan